NATCHEZ — Two Natchez man were arrested Thursday on drug charges in a joint investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Special Operation Group.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said in a statement that MBN and ACSO agents arrested Willie Wayne Wactor, 57, and Michael C. Marks, 36, after  reportedly making a controlled delivery of a large number of Xanax and hydrocodone pills at 203 Margaret Ave. in Natchez.

Authorities believe the pills were shipped from California and were going to be distributed in Adams County.

Marks was charged with conspiracy to distribute a schedule II controlled substance (hydrocodone) and a scheduled IV controlled substance (Xanax) as well as possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance (hydrocodone) and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (Xanax).

Wactor was charged with conspiracy to distribute a schedule II controlled substance (hydrocodone) and a schedule IV controlled substance (Xanax) and possession of a schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine).

“This joint investigation shows that the pill epidemic that is sweeping the nation, even touches Adams County,” Patten said.

Wactor and Marks were being held in the Adams County Jail Friday evening.